Abbotsford, B.C.

Youth use rap to comment on world

Yesterday, out on the streets
I saw a young girl with plain bare feet
she was an orphan, her parents had deceased
she had no one to lead her, she needed to eat
but had no one to feed her
the ends just don’t meet
we hope you get the message
we hope you can read
we’re asking for help with a
thank-you and a please
so please come, do something, maybe sponsor a child
give ‘em some clothes you think are in style
and help make their life a bit more worthwhile.

Joel Brandt, 14, and Daniel Nofziger, 13, look like ordinary teenagers, sporting the “look” of their peers and listening to their music. What makes them different is that they make music that reflects thoughtfully on what’s going on in the world.

They’ve come up with a rap band called “Tremaindellic,” a creative take on Brandt’s middle name. Through a computer program (the software is Sony Pictures Digital Inc.’s ACID Music) and web site they’re creating songs that people listen to online. Brandt is writer, rapper and creator of the beat. Nofziger does the vocals.

“He’s a better singer than me,” Brandt said, but added that they both rap the lyrics.

Using a computer program means they don’t need expensive instruments or recording equipment. The program lets them choose beats, rhythms and sounds, adjust pitch, volume and tempo. Using a tiny microphone on their computer, they record the lyrics over top.

Brandt says the inspiration for his songs comes from listening to the

news and how he reacts to that. The text of “Where to go” reflects local and global conflict, and directs the listener to God without being preachy.

If you ever need help, go to my saviour
whether it’s questions, concerns or maybe a test paper
he’ll always be there, no cost, no pay-per
hour, it’s free, believe me, he doesn’t mind
he’s willing and kind, just close your eyes
and pray to him, any day any time
any problem—it’s fine.

“I believe Joel’s music is great,” says Nofziger. “In his lyrics it talks about strife and the things that go on in this world…and how not to blame God for the things that happen.”

Brandt began writing about two years ago. Ironically, he credits bad-boy rapper Eminem as an inspiration.

“I like Eminem because he’s a talented rapper and has great rhythms,” he explains. “I was listening to one of his songs and his lyrics aren’t that great, so I got the idea to write my own lyrics to one of his songs.” He showed the song to his family and got excited about writing his own lyrics.

Being in a band was something both Brandt and Nofziger dreamed of. His parents got a drum set to get him started. He and Brandt found they “were into the same type of music and I guess we hit it off.”

So far Tremaindellic has two songs online and they are working on more. The two think it would be cool to sign with a Christian label but for now are content to have their music online.

To hear their music, go to www.soundclick.com/bands/0/tremaindellic.htm and click on “Music.”—Angelika Dawson

Winnipeg, Man.

River East members are citizens of two countries

Paul’s assertion to the Christians in Philippi that their citizenship is in heaven holds particular significance for the people of River East Mennonite Church here. Most of the members are citizens of both Paraguay and Canada, and they try to balance the ambiguity of homeland while straddling two countries.

When River East began in 1989 as the River East Menno Gemeinde, it offered a church home for the growing number of Mennonites coming to Canada from the Menno Colony in Paraguay. Conducting its services and classes in German, it is a place where families and friends can reconnect.

Membership has grown steadily to its present membership of 172. This spring alone, membership grew by 49.

Except for one couple who came to Canada via Poland and Germany, all members were born in Paraguay to Canadian citizens who had emigrated to Paraguay.

Economic reasons compel many to leave Paraguay.

“It is hard to make a living there,” said Ed Reimer, congregational chair. “They usually come with nothing. They have cattle and a ranch there but most of the money stays behind. They stay with relatives here until they get a job.”

One year, 20 people immigrated to Canada while 20 others returned to Paraguay, said Abram Unrau, minister at River East from 1991-98 and currently a lay minister in the church. Pastoring a transient congregation creates unusual challenges.

“They come from big churches in Paraguay where they have no voice…expecting the minister and deacon to do everything,” said Unrau. About a year ago, the church suffered a split over divergent views on leadership roles. It has since restructured, with the formation of a church council.

“The council can take care of the financial aspects, the building and other concerns, leaving the ministerial to concentrate on spiritual and teaching matters,” said Reimer. “It seems everyone likes it.

“It is a challenge to find long-term people to do the work of the church,” said Reimer. “Training never stops.”

John R. Friesen, who began pastoral leadership at the church on August 1, is “the first pastor hired from the outside,” said Reimer. “It is the best thing that’s happened.”

Travel between Paraguay and Canada is affecting other churches in Manitoba as well.

“Elmwood Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg has hired Victor Kliewer to pastor them in the German language and to enhance the German language worship service which was dying,” said Friesen. Steinbach Mennonite is also seriously considering expanding its German service.

Reimer feels that the emigration from Paraguay “will be pretty steady because of the instability of the economy and political situation.” Nearly 9,000 people live in Menno Colony. Most were successful dairy farmers but when Paraguay opened its border to cheaper milk products from Argentina, the farmers fell deeply into debt. Drought has also plagued them.

On October 24, John P. Klassen, Mennonite Church Manitoba conference minister, will assist in transferring pastoral leadership from interim pastor Gerhard Friesen to John R. Friesen.—Evelyn Rempel Petkau

Leamington, Ont.

Leamington prepares 14,400 cans of meat

Leamington held its annual meat-canning project in April at H.J. Heinz’ tomato grading station here. It was the second last stop for the Mennonite Central Committee canner, which began its annual canning itinerary in Ohio last October.

Volunteers came from 32 area churches, not all Mennonite. Several fundraisers helped reach the goal of $65,000 to cover all costs, from purchasing the turkey to shipping the finished cans to their destination.

One event was a Sunday luncheon hosted by the local canning committee, at United Mennonite Educational Institute. The event, which offered borscht, chili and fleisch perishky (meat turnovers) drew over 400 people and raised over $11,000. Faith Mennonite Church also hosted a fundraiser dinner and talent show.

A dedication service for the meat-canning project was held at Faith Mennonite on April 18. MCC representative John Wiebe and canning committee member Peter Fiss gave moving reports about the impact the project has.

From April 19-22, 550 volunteers, including students from United Mennonite Educational Institute and Paincourt High School, processed 26,910 pounds of turkey into 14,400 cans. Nineteen different groups provided meals and snacks.

Everything ran smoothly under the direction of MCC canner operators Marcus Heinrich, Tim Friesen and Jerry Hiebert. The participation, prayers and financial support of the community demonstrated God’s presence. Plans are already underway for next year.—From report by Cathy Lankin and Marlene Schmidtgall

Abbotsford, B.C.

Construction begins on seniors’ housing

Just before the annual meeting of the Mennonite Benevolent Society on June 12, members turned the sod to launch construction of a six-storey, 95-unit housing facility here for seniors.

It is defined as supportive housing with home-like features that enable seniors to live independently with access to basic services such as meals and social opportunities. The new facility will be under the Mennonite Benevolent Society umbrella, which includes Menno Home, Menno Hospital, Menno Pavilion and Menno Terrace. It should be completed by September 2005.

The sod was turned by Ed Pankratz, chair of the society; Gerald Neufeld, chief executive officer; Fred Strumpski, building chair; and Rudy Loewen, representing Palcor, the project management firm.

Members had an opportunity to suggest names for the new building. Membership in the Benevolent Society has increased by 151 this past year, for a total of 695. Lucy Meyer, the first woman appointed to the board, stepped down after nine years of service.

This was the first year of a restructured organization with a chief executive officer and chief operating officers for each division. Reports indicated a successful transition. The society itself, the home and hospital ended the fiscal year with a small surplus.—From release

Carrot River, Sask.

Carrot River congregation honours 75 years

The Lord is good and his love endures forever. His faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5) was the theme for the 75th anniversary of Carrot River Mennonite Church, August 7-8.

Approximately 200 people registered for the weekend celebration. Current members were joined by former pastors, teachers, family members and friends from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Indiana.

Acquaintances were renewed and new ones made as stories were shared. Several former teachers who taught in the rural schools of the area during the 1950s made connections with former students. One person remembered being hosted by a church family when he was in a conscientious objectors’ camp during World War II.

Histories, photographs and regional maps on the wall created considerable interest. Some found the homesteads their parents or grandparents came to in 1926 and in the years following. Others found the location of rural schools that have long since disappeared.

In 1925 the first three Mennonite families came into the area south of what is now the town of Carrot River. Abandoned shacks became their temporary homes. More people arrived—by 1931, over 100 families.

Participants celebrated the beginning of the Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Church south of Carrot River in 1929, and the establishment of the Petaigon Mennonite Church, north of Carrot River, in 1937. The two congregations joined in 1960 when a new church was built in Carrot River itself.

Three original charter members of the Hoffnungsfelder congregation—Tena Andres, Catherine Schapansky and Mary Gerbrandt—attended the celebration. Three former pastors—Peter Peters from Manitoba, Abe Buhler from British Columbia, and John Wiebe from Manitoba, participated in the Saturday evening program or Sunday worship. Current pastor Craig Hollands shared moments from the life of the church and led the choir on Sunday morning.

Although inclement weather curtailed outdoor activities, the atmosphere inside was warm and hospitable. As the celebration ended we were reminded that the Lord has been, and is, good. We claimed God’s enduring love for the future of this church, in this community.

Membership and attendance has fluctuated over the years. Presently the church is on an upward trend, blessed with a large group of young children.—From reports by Audrey Bechtel and Trudy Fast

Waterloo, Ont.

Remembering the Ontario Bible school

Over 300 exuberant voices filled the halls of Conrad Grebel University College August 13-14. From across Canada and the United States they gathered to remember the Ontario Mennonite Bible School and Institute (OMBS&I) and to learn about present-day theological studies at Grebel.

The doors of OMBS&I closed 45 years ago, but the spirit of fellowship among those who studied there remains strong. Gasps of recognition, hugs, laughter, animated conversations, sharing of pictures and life stories continued throughout the weekend.

At the welcome program, we listened to a tape from a choral reading, “From glory to glory,” which was performed by OMBS&I choirs during the 1950s. A silence hovered over the audience as we listened to the voices of Arnold Cressman as Judas and Osiah Horst as Jesus.

On Saturday, two bus loads of participants toured old haunts such as Victoria Park where many had skated on the frozen pond, House of Friendship where some had done service, and First Mennonite Church, the site of OMBS&I. We also visited the historic Detweiler Meeting House and cemetery, and Ten Thousand Villages shop in New Hamburg.

A choir of 60 voices rehearsed under the direction of V. Paul Martin who was music director at OMBS&I during the 1950s and early 60s. Other met for class reunions.

Reminiscing included many stories about teachers and school life. J. B. Martin often told his students, “When you find the word ‘therefore’ in the Bible go back and see what it is there for.”

Sponsors for the event made it possible for all ticket sales to be donated to the Ralph and Eileen Lebold Endowment for Leadership Training at Grebel.

A women’s trio sang several numbers, including, “Have you heard the sobbing of a thousand millions souls?” Rufus Jutzi shared how OMBI made the Bible applicable to the ministry. Roy Koch, 91-year-old former principal of OMBS&I, stated that he is continually impressed when thinking about folks who found the Lord, sought guidance and still serve him.

Ralph Lebold, a former student of OMBS&I, pointed to the continuity of that experience at Grebel, even though the cultural context and needs are different.

On Sunday morning, the reunion participants met at First Mennonite Church for the final worship service. Herb Schultz in his sermon reminded us that even though we are imperfect, we contribute. Learn from the past and let the song go on by rekindling the fire, he said. God continues to build his church in spite of us.

Paul Martin led us in the school song, “Christ who left his home in glory.”

People also mentioned the pleasure of recognizing people they haven’t seen in over 40 years, and seeing the commitment live on in people today.—From report by Leah Boehm

Burns Lake, B.C.

Burns Lake congregation reminisces about 50 years

Jubilee was the focus of the 50th anniversary homecoming of First Mennonite Church of Burns Lake on August 20-22.

People gathered to share stories and memories of God’s faithfulness over 50 years.

Ruth Dick, Paul Dick, Abe Buhler, Jerry Klassen and Abraham Buhler (left to right) plant a tree in celebration of the 50th anniversary homecoming of First Mennonite Church of Burns Lake.

The organizing committee welcomed us with words from Leviticus 25 and Deuteronomy 6, calling us to give thanks and sing to the Lord for what he has done.

The first session focused on 1954 to 1964. It opened with rousing singing led by Martin Epp and accompanied on the piano by Ruth Dick, wife of Elmer Dick, the church’s first pastor. A PowerPoint presentation, prepared by John Rempel and Tina Giesbrecht, illustrated the first decade.

Henrietta Giesbrecht assembled women who throughout the life of the congregation have sung in a women’s double trio. What a delight to hear their voices raised in praise to God! As Ruth Dick talked about the beginnings of the church, she challenged the congregation to keep building for the next generation.

Saturday morning covered 1964 to 1984. Rob Wiebe focused on heroes who inspired with godly wisdom and upbringing. These pioneers blazed the way and are cheering us on, he said.

Singing under the leadership of former pastor Ed Giesbrecht was enthusiastic. Ed talked about his years in ministry at First Mennonite and the beginnings of the church in Granisle. A second PowerPoint presentation focused on the highlights of that period.

In a memorial presentation, former pastor Jerry Klassen reflected on the story in Joshua 4 in which the Israelites were told to set stones as a memorial to God’s faithfulness. As Klassen called to remembrance those who have died in the past 50 years, his wife Doreen placed a flower in a bouquet of remembrance.

Saturday evening’s program focused on 1984 to the present. Another PowerPoint presentation showed the completion of the present building. Former pastor Abe Buhler challenged us to seek God’s will and plan for the future.

One of the strengths of First Mennonite has been its sending people out as pastors, missionaries and volunteers. Pastor Abraham Buhler presented the names.

Judy Martens led the worship team at the Sunday morning closing celebration. A mass choir, directed by Lee Dyck and accompanied by Norma Hoy, brought back memories through songs such as “Gott ist Die Liebe” and “Take Thou my Hand, O Father.”

“What mark are you leaving in Burns Lake?” asked Paul Dick, in his message. Dick, son of the church’s first pastor, is a pastor at South Abbotsford Mennonite Brethren Church. He was born in Burns Lake but left at the age of three. This visit was his first trip back.

He challenged us to live according to the pattern God has given and reminded us that our influence leaves a lasting mark. Where are we going? God wants to give us a vision for the future, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

As a conclusion to the celebration, Henry Kliewer, conference pastor for Mennonite Church B.C., led in communion. He reminded us that we are the beneficiaries of those heroes of faith who have gone before.

The organizing committee thanked all who had come to the jubilee celebration. After singing “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” we reassembled outside to plant a tree in commemoration of the event. Former pastors Jerry Klassen, Abe Buhler, Abraham Buhler, and Ruth and Paul Dick spaded the earth as we sang “To God be the Glory.”

Thanks to the culinary skills and direction of Rose Unruh, delicious meals provided time for people to share stories and reminisce. Truly we have raised an Ebenezer.—From a report by Lee Dyck

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